The H-1B visa remains a critical lifeline for international talent seeking employment in the U.S., particularly in highly specialized fields like AI and tech. However, with applications hitting record highs—780,884 submitted for fiscal year 2024 for only 85,000 available visas—the lottery system remains fiercely competitive. As we approach the fiscal year 2026 application cycle, the stakes are higher than ever for prospective H-1B candidates, especially considering the newly elected president is not immigration friendly.
If you're aiming to secure an H-1B visa this year, here’s what you need to know about the process, the companies that sponsor visas, and alternative pathways if your application isn’t selected.
Table of Contents:
How to Apply for an H1B Visa in 2026
Top 25 Companies Sponsoring H1B Visas
H1B Visa 2026 Timeline and Key Dates
Potential Changes to the H1B Process Under Trump’s Administration
What to Do If You Don’t Secure an H1B Visa in 2026
How to Apply for an H-1B Visa in 2026
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring highly specialized knowledge. Here’s a quick guide to the process:
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Find a Sponsor:
To apply for an H-1B visa, you'll need a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your petition. In the later section of this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 H-1B sponsors known for being international worker-friendly—check it out to see if any align with your career aspirations. Additionally, you can use the following tools to determine if your dream employer sponsors H-1B visas: -
Complete the Petition:
Your employer will file a petition (Form I-129) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the application window, which typically begins in March. -
Enter the Lottery:
Due to the high volume of applicants, most H-1B petitions are subject to a lottery system. Only 85,000 visas are issued annually, including 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders from U.S. institutions. -
Approval and Start Date:
If selected, your H-1B status can begin as early as October 1, 2026, aligning with the U.S. fiscal year.
Several companies are known for actively sponsoring H-1B visas, particularly in the technology and AI sectors. Here are 25 notable companies that have historically sponsored H-1B visas:
Top 25 Companies Sponsoring H-1B Visas
- Amazon.com Services
- Infosys
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Cognizant Technology Solutions
- Microsoft
- Apple
- IBM
- Facebook (now Meta)
- Intel
- Capgemini
- Accenture
- Wipro
- Deloitte Consulting
- J.P. Morgan Chase
- Qualcomm
- Cisco Systems
- Oracle America
- Ernst & Young
- Tech Mahindra
- HCL America
- Goldman Sachs
- Salesforce.com
- Uber Technologies
- Tesla
These companies have a strong track record of hiring international talent and may still offer opportunities for H-1B sponsorship even under the Trump administration in 2026.
H1B Visa 2026 Timeline and Key Dates
The H1B visa process is a crucial pathway for international professionals aiming to work in the United States. While USCIS has yet to announce the official dates for the H1B Visa 2026 season, you can start planning based on historical timelines from previous years, including H1B Visa 2025. Below is a tentative timeline to help you prepare. This guide will be updated with official dates once USCIS releases them.
H1B 2026 Timeline and Process Overview
| H1B Process Steps | Tentative Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Create H1B Registration Accounts | Last Week of February 2025 | Employers or H1B sponsors create registrant accounts via the USCIS online system. |
| Start Submitting H1B Registrations | First Week of March 2025 | Employers begin submitting H1B registrations for applicants intending to work in the U.S. |
| Registration Deadline | Last Week of March 2025 | Final date for employers to submit registrations for the H1B 2026 season. |
| H1B Lottery Selection | Last Week of March 2025 | USCIS conducts the H1B lottery and announces results, typically by March 31. |
| H1B Petition Filing Window | April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 | Employers file H1B petitions for selected applicants, including LCA and required documentation. |
| USCIS Petition Processing | April 1, 2025 Onward | USCIS begins processing petitions, which can take weeks to months depending on the case. |
| Second Lottery Round (if applicable) | July – August 2025 | Similar to past seasons, USCIS may hold a second lottery if slots remain unfilled. |
| H1B Visa Stamping | July 1, 2025, Onward | Applicants outside the U.S. obtain H1B visa stamps from U.S. consulates or embassies. |
| Work Authorization Start Date | October 1, 2025 | USCIS fiscal year 2026 begins, and cap-subject applicants can start working on approved H1B visas. |
Changes Trump Administration Bring to the H1B 2026 Season?
With the Trump administration set to take office on January 20, 2025, discussions about potential changes to the H1B lottery process have gained renewed attention. However, the administration faces a tight timeline to implement any significant modifications. The H1B Registration System typically opens for submissions in early March, giving the administration just over a month to introduce and enforce new policies.
Key H-1B Policy Changes Proposed During Trump’s First Term
1. Increased Wage Requirements
One of the most impactful regulations introduced during Trump’s first term was the October 2020 Department of Labor (DOL) wage rule. The Interim Final Rule (IFR) significantly increased the minimum salaries required for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM programs, setting them much higher than the prevailing wages for similar U.S. positions.
Challenges Faced by Employers:- The rule took effect without prior notice, leaving employers scrambling to adapt.
- Had it been implemented, it would have priced many foreign professionals out of the U.S. labor market.
This rule was blocked in federal court in December 2020, but Trump’s administration issued a similar rule in January 2021, just before the end of his presidency. While the Biden administration delayed and ultimately vacated this rule, it is expected that a second Trump term would renew efforts to increase wage obligations significantly.
2. Narrowed Definition of "Specialty Occupation"
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed narrowing the H-1B program’s eligibility criteria in October 2020 through the "Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program" rule.
Key Provisions:- Required that all H-1B positions mandate a degree in a specific, directly related specialty.
- Increased evidentiary requirements for third-party placements.
- Shortened validity periods for certain positions.
Though the rule was blocked in court, it signaled an effort to limit H-1B eligibility further, potentially impacting fields like IT consulting and engineering, where flexible qualifications are common.
3. Wage-Based H-1B Cap Selection
In January 2021, the Trump administration finalized a regulation to prioritize H-1B cap selections based on wage levels rather than the traditional lottery system.
Impact on Early Career Professionals:- Prioritizing higher wage levels would have excluded many Level 1 and Level 2 wage positions, typically offered to recent graduates and entry-level professionals.
- International students relying on the H-1B visa after Optional Practical Training (OPT) would have faced significant challenges.
What to Expect for H1B 2026
Given the limited time frame, it is unlikely that significant changes will affect the FY 2026 H1B lottery process. However, the possibility of reforms for the FY 2027 season and beyond remains high. The Trump administration has previously indicated an interest in restructuring the program, and a return to these priorities could shape upcoming policies. These changes might include:
- Wage-Based Lottery: Reintroducing proposals to prioritize higher wage levels in the H1B selection process.
- Increased Scrutiny: Adding more stringent requirements for H1B eligibility and application processes.
- Reduced Visa Allocations: Limiting the number of H1B visas issued to specific industries or job categories.
Waiting for Official Updates
As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding changes to the H1B process for the FY 2026 season. USCIS is expected to follow the standard timeline for registration and lottery processes. If the Trump administration introduces any updates, this article will be updated to reflect those changes promptly.
Looking Ahead to FY 2027 and Beyond
While the H1B 2026 season may proceed with minimal changes, the Trump administration's broader immigration agenda suggests that future reforms are likely. International professionals and their employers should stay informed about potential changes to ensure they are prepared for shifts in policy.
What to Do If You Don’t Secure an H-1B Visa in 2025
Given the competitiveness of the H-1B process, many applicants may not be selected in the lottery. If this happens, it’s essential to have a backup plan to maintain your career momentum in the U.S.
1. Explore Day 1 CPT Programs
Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs allow international students to work in their field of study from the first day of their academic program. These programs are especially popular among those pursuing advanced degrees in AI and tech, offering a pathway to gain practical experience while studying.
Benefits of Day 1 CPT:
- Immediate work authorization without waiting for H-1B or OPT.
- Opportunity to gain industry experience in AI while completing your degree.
- Enhanced eligibility for future H-1B petitions through stronger resumes and networks.
2. Consider Other Visa Options
- L-1 Visa: For employees transferring within multinational companies.
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like AI or tech.
- F-1 Visa Extensions: If you're already a student, consider STEM OPT extensions to continue working while seeking H-1B opportunities.
3. Leverage Global Opportunities
If staying in the U.S. isn’t feasible, explore roles with U.S.-based companies that have offices abroad. Many firms, especially in AI, allow employees to work remotely or transfer to the U.S. later under different visa categories.